The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB), signed into law in July 2025, significantly expanded SNAP work requirements starting in 2026. The most impactful change raises the age limit for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) work requirements from 54 to 64, meaning adults aged 55 through 64 who were previously exempt must now work, volunteer, or participate in training for at least 80 hours per month to keep their SNAP benefits beyond three months. Use our free benefits screener to check your current eligibility.
What Changed With SNAP Work Requirements in 2026?
The OBBB made several major changes to SNAP work requirements. Here is a side-by-side comparison of the old rules versus the new rules:
| Rule | Before OBBB (Through 2025) | After OBBB (2026 and Beyond) |
|---|---|---|
| ABAWD age range | 18 to 54 | 18 to 64 |
| Time limit for non-exempt adults | 3 months of benefits in a 36-month period | 3 months of benefits in a 36-month period (unchanged) |
| Work hours required (ABAWD) | 80 hours per month (20 hours/week) | 80 hours per month (20 hours/week, unchanged) |
| Parents subject to work rules | Only parents of children under 6 were sometimes exempt | Parents with children over 14 may now be subject to work requirements |
| State waiver availability | States could waive ABAWD rules in high-unemployment areas | Waiver criteria significantly tightened |
What Are the Two Types of SNAP Work Requirements?
SNAP has two distinct sets of work rules. Understanding both is critical for keeping your benefits.
General Work Requirements
Most SNAP recipients aged 16 through 59 who are able to work must meet general work requirements. These include:
- Registering for work when your state asks
- Accepting suitable job offers
- Not voluntarily quitting a job or reducing hours below 30 per week without good cause
- Participating in Employment and Training (E&T) programs if referred by your state
Failure to meet general work requirements can result in losing benefits for one month or longer.
ABAWD Work Requirements (The Stricter Rules)
ABAWD rules are stricter and apply to adults aged 18 through 64 who are able to work and do not have dependents. Under these rules, you must work, volunteer, or participate in a qualifying training program for at least 80 hours per month. If you do not meet this requirement, you can only receive SNAP benefits for three months within any 36-month period.
Who Is Exempt From SNAP Work Requirements in 2026?
Not everyone must meet ABAWD work requirements. You may be exempt if you meet any of the following criteria:
| Exemption Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | Under 18 or 65 and older |
| Disability | Unable to work due to a physical or mental health condition |
| Pregnancy | Currently pregnant |
| Caregiver | Living with a child under 14 in your household |
| Student | Enrolled at least half-time in school or a training program |
| Substance abuse treatment | Participating in a drug or alcohol treatment program |
| Already working 30+ hours/week | Earning at least $217.50 per week |
| Homelessness | Experiencing homelessness (in some states) |
| Ages 60 to 64 | Exempt from general work requirements but still subject to ABAWD time limits under OBBB |
Important note for adults aged 60 to 64: Under the new law, individuals aged 60 to 64 remain exempt from general work requirements but are now subject to the ABAWD time limit. This is a critical distinction that affects how your state administers your case.
What Are the SNAP Income Limits for 2026?
Even if you meet work requirements, you must also fall within SNAP income limits. The following table shows the FY 2026 limits (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) for the 48 contiguous states and D.C.:
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income (130% FPL) | Net Monthly Income (100% FPL) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,696 | $1,305 |
| 2 | $2,292 | $1,763 |
| 3 | $2,888 | $2,221 |
| 4 | $3,483 | $2,680 |
| 5 | $4,079 | $3,138 |
| 6 | $4,675 | $3,596 |
| 7 | $5,271 | $4,055 |
| 8 | $5,867 | $4,513 |
| Each additional member | +$596 | +$459 |
Alaska and Hawaii have higher income limits. Many states also use broad-based categorical eligibility, which may raise gross income limits to 200% of the federal poverty level.
Not sure if you qualify? Check your eligibility with our free screener.
How Do You Meet the ABAWD Work Requirement?
You can satisfy the 80 hours per month ABAWD requirement through any combination of the following activities:
- Paid employment at any wage level (including part-time, gig, or self-employment)
- Unpaid volunteer work with a verified nonprofit or public organization
- Workfare where you work off your SNAP benefit amount at minimum wage equivalent hours
- SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) programs offered by your state
- Job training or education programs approved by your state agency
You do not need to hold a single 20-hour-per-week job. Hours from multiple activities can be combined to reach the 80-hour monthly total. Keep records of all hours worked, including supervisor contact information, dates, and times.
How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in 2026: Step by Step
If you need to apply or recertify for SNAP, follow these steps:
- Check your eligibility using our free benefits screener to see if you qualify based on income, household size, and other factors
- Gather required documents including proof of identity, income (pay stubs, tax returns), housing costs, and any disability or medical documentation
- Submit your application online through your state's SNAP portal, in person at your local Department of Social Services, or by mail
- Complete your interview as your state will schedule a phone or in-person interview within 30 days
- Provide verification of work hours or exemption status if you are subject to ABAWD requirements
- Receive your EBT card typically within 30 days of application (7 days for expedited cases)
What Happens If You Do Not Meet SNAP Work Requirements?
If you are subject to ABAWD rules and do not meet the 80 hours per month requirement:
- You will receive SNAP benefits for only 3 countable months within a 36-month period
- After those 3 months, your benefits will stop
- To regain eligibility, you must work or participate in a qualifying activity for at least 80 hours in a 30-day period
- Some states offer additional months through individual exemptions allocated by USDA
How Does the OBBB Affect Older Adults Aged 55 to 64?
This is the most significant change under the new law. Before the OBBB, adults aged 55 and older were completely exempt from ABAWD time limits. Now, adults up to age 64 must comply. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, this change could affect hundreds of thousands of older adults who may face challenges finding employment due to age discrimination, health limitations, or limited job availability in their area.
If you are between 55 and 64 and currently receiving SNAP, take these steps immediately:
- Contact your local SNAP office to understand your recertification timeline
- Determine whether you qualify for any exemptions (disability, caregiving, etc.)
- Ask about Employment and Training programs available in your area
- Document any physical or mental health conditions that may qualify you for an exemption
- Keep your contact information current with your state so you do not miss important notices
Can States Still Waive ABAWD Work Requirements?
Yes, but the OBBB significantly tightened waiver criteria. Previously, states could request waivers for areas with high unemployment or insufficient jobs. Under the new rules:
- Waiver eligibility is based on stricter unemployment thresholds
- Fewer geographic areas will qualify for waivers
- States must reapply for waivers under the new criteria
- Individual exemptions are still available but limited in number
As of early 2026, many states that previously had statewide waivers may no longer qualify, meaning more residents will be subject to the ABAWD time limit.
Frequently Asked Questions About SNAP Work Requirements 2026
What is the ABAWD age limit for SNAP in 2026?
The ABAWD age limit is now 18 to 64, expanded from the previous range of 18 to 54 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed in July 2025.
How many hours do I need to work to keep my SNAP benefits?
You need to work, volunteer, or participate in approved training for at least 80 hours per month (equivalent to about 20 hours per week) to meet ABAWD requirements.
What if I cannot find a job to meet the work requirement?
You can meet the requirement through volunteer work, workfare, or state Employment and Training programs. Contact your local SNAP office to learn about available programs in your area.
Are parents exempt from SNAP work requirements?
Parents living with children under 14 are generally exempt from ABAWD requirements. However, under the OBBB, parents with children aged 14 and older may now be subject to work requirements.
When do the new SNAP work requirements take effect?
The OBBB was signed into law in July 2025. The expanded ABAWD age range and other changes are effective now, though your state may phase in enforcement at your next recertification period.
Can I lose my SNAP benefits permanently for not meeting work requirements?
Benefits are not permanently revoked. If you lose benefits due to not meeting the ABAWD requirement, you can regain eligibility by working or participating in qualifying activities for 80 hours in a 30-day period, or by qualifying for an exemption.
How do I prove I am meeting the work requirement?
Keep documentation of your work hours, including pay stubs, timesheets, employer verification letters, or volunteer hour logs. Your state may request this information during recertification.
Benefits and eligibility rules change frequently. Use our free benefits screener to get a personalized assessment of the programs you may qualify for based on your current situation.
